Fundamentals of Zig-Zag (Miura-ori) Pleats
February 16, 2027 @ 9:30 am – March 16, 2027 @ 1:30 pm
Instructor: Paul Jackson ( artist bio )
Venue: Online, SDBA’s Zoom Account
Day & Dates: Five 4 hour classes, Tuesdays, starting February 16, 23, March 2, 9, & 16 of 2027
Time: Pacific Time, 9:30 AM—1:30 PM, including breaks
Skill Level: Intermediate—Some folding history
Class Description:
The course introduces several different techniques for generating, folding and designing this beautiful and endlessly versatile form of relief pleating. It will introduce students to the techniques of generating zig-zag pleats freehand (that is, spontaneously, without location points), and by creating 90-degree and 60-degree grids of pre-creased folds from which the zig-zag folds can be selected. Almost all the surfaces can be collapsed flat, transforming a sheet into a stick. The transformation is dramatic.
The basics of the technique are easy to learn, but at more advanced levels, the grids and the making/collapsing of the pleats can be slow and exacting, requiring the manipulation of several folds at the same time. For this reason, it is recommended that students have some experience of folding paper beyond ‘one-fold’ simple valley/mountain manipulations. Students will be taken slowly through the basics to thoroughly understand the fundamentals, after which, we will explore more complex techniques.
Tools & Supplies:
Each registrant provides their own materials and equipment.
Materials: 8½ x 11in printer paper and tabloid-size printer paper (17 x 11in), or A4 and A3 printer paper.
Equipment: Craft knife, ruler, paper glue, sticky tape and cutting mat.
Class Recordings:
Recordings will be available 30 days following each class session for registered students only.
Class Fees:
Early Enrollment Program (EEP): $320
Member: $400
Non-member: $475
Early Enrollment Program (EEP) is a member only, non-refundable discount. Join SDBA at checkout for reduced class fees.
EEP deadline: December 30, 2026
Registration Deadline: January 30, 2027